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Monday, December 8, 2014

Cottage Christmas Mantel and a blog hop

I am excited to be participating in my first ever blog hop hosted by Pamela over at From My Front Porch to Yours. I'm even more excited because this is a mantel party and I finally get to come out and play:-)

I wanted to use a combination of natural elements along with items that were in the victorian farmhouse my dad grew up in on the property here. The mantel is actually attached to an old door from the house and made from wood, including stair treads, that were saved by my grandfather when the house was torn down. You can see how I built it HERE.

I kept my grandmother's aqua mirror and added the yule log my grandfather made along with creeping juniper from the property, nandina berries and pinecones. I am loving the juniper this year because of the quirky shape it takes and how nicely it works as a garland. I've used it all over the house.

I also moved the deer antlers my dad gave me from the dining area to here because he is putting together another vintage set for me to use there.

I found this vintage Shiny Brite nativity in my grandmother's things last Christmas and knew it was perfect for this spot. I wanted to keep it authentic and unique to me, and this is the kind of item that makes it all a little more personal -- and a little quirky at the same time.

I made stockings for the children from ticking, an old red sweater and a plaid flannel shirt. The stockings had to be big:-)

The antique "Perfection" (early 1900s) kerosene heater is also from the old house, so I dusted it off, cleaned it out and placed a candle inside. It's kind of like a giant oil lamp and in great condition, but I'm not about to fill it with kerosene:-) I love its color and Victorian style.

I wrapped gifts for the children in brown paper, embellished with ribbons and lace, and added my dad's sweet little cowboy boots.

A plaid cape from my childhood hangs on my great grandmother's antique chair, which retains its original finish that I love.

What used to be a blank wall...

Has been transformed into a warm and welcoming spot.

Ready for a visit from Santa.

So there you have my Christmas mantel:-) I am really enjoying having this focal point to decorate but loving most of all that everything has some kind of special family meaning.

Be sure to go by and visit each of these ladies and see their mantels all decked out for Christmas. Please be sure to pin any images belonging to these ladies directly from their blogs:-)

Anita, your mantel is gorgeous, and I love how every item tells your story and your family's story. What a tribute to those you love! I'm in love with your plaid stocking. Made from an old shirt? I never would have guessed! And the pops of teal are fab.

Anita, I LOVE it all! And how creative to take an old door and turn it into a mantel like that! So great! I love all your personal touches from your family.. and very cute stockings! Have a Merry Christmas! xo Jen

Anita I just love it all! It is just perfect. Your old kerosene stove is divine. I love that you placed a candle inside it. Thank you for joining us for the blog hop!:) Hope to do some more fun things together. Happy holidays my friend!

Wow Anita....I just want to pull up a chair and just gaze at your gorgeous mantelscape with a cup of hot chocolate in hand...I love the vintage blue heater...A mantel that is so perfect in your gorgeous mountain settings....

You know what I love about your gorgeous holiday mantel, Anita? You can tell how very important family is to you ... incorporating sentimental ornaments ... from your grandmother's shiny brite nativity to your Dad's childhood cowboy boots. I love the stove, too, and how you were able to use add that, as well. Everything has a story when it comes to your decorating ... your holiday home being no different. I can't wait to see more.

Anita, your mantel is just wonderful! I love how you incorporated all of your family heirlooms, and the love that went into creating those stockings is perfect! I love your sense of nostalgia and it's perfect, especially during the holiday season! I love it all!

Anita this just adorable! I love the blue mixed with the plaid and the little old stove is to die for! Really cute and fun! I would love to have you join The Style Sisters Christmas House tour Link up! http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-style-sisters-christmas-home-tour.html?m=1Karin :)

Anita I love your holiday mantel and how you have repurposed so much from the family and property! The stockings are adorable and I yes, the garlands and plaid! Thank you for sharing for this lovely tour!

Hi, Anita. I just wanted to let you know I used your table from Pinterest for Kathleen's challenge at Cuisine Kathleen! I love the rustic nature of the table. Thank you for sharing this warm and welcoming table on Pinterest. Have a wonderful holiday season. Rosie @ The Magic Hutch

I really like this mantal shelf and vignette you have made. Who could resist pliad and tartan wiht a little ticking? The little colorful stove with the candle is a perfect way to complete it! Merry Christmas! Linda @bushelandapickle.com